Review: Rehorst Vodkas and Gin

Rehorst? Funny name for a vodka, but it’s the name of the man behind Great Lakes Distillery in Wisconsin, which puts out this “Milwaukee Vodka” in a standard and unusual flavored version as well as a gin.

We tried all three. Here’s how they stack up.

Rehorst Vodka is distilled from red wheat and malted red wheat, and offers a very traditional approach to vodka. The nose is moderately medicinal, but the body is lighter, with a sweet entry and bread-like character to the body. The finish is lingering, but pleasant, very lightly bitter, and a bit metallic. Pleasant. 80 proof. B / $30

Rehorst Citrus & Honey Vodka – A flavored first for me — citrus and honey? The nose is heavy with orange and some lime notes, but I didn’t get much honey (other than vague sweetener) until I tried it in a cocktail, when the honey flavors blossomed. This is not altogether fascinating on its own, but it shines as a substitute for regular vodka or gin in any number of cocktails simple or complex. 80 proof. B+ / $30

Rehorst Gin offers a traditional nose, with a little kick. Rehorst kicks up its traditional botanicals (juniper is on the heavy side) with the addition of two unique extras: sweet basil and Wisconsin ginseng. The combination is quite engaging, and you can certainly taste strong citrus and ginseng notes in the spirit. Maybe no basil specifically, but in the combination Rehorst has hit upon, it all comes together quite impressively. My favorite spirit of the bunch. 88 proof. A- / $30